Seeing Victor Wembanyama compared to anyone, regardless of position, is rarely shocking. Since entering the league in 2023, he has established himself as one of the most physically dominating players, a versatile scorer, and the best defender in the world.
The San Antonio Spurs have a combination of Rudy Gobert, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Hakeem Olajuwon on their team.
As a mobile big man who can force his way to his spots, being compared to Giannis Antetokounmpo shouldn’t be a surprise. However, Wembanyama was compared to Giannis and an overlooked offensive player by experts.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 08, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama Compared to Giannis and Draymond Green
In the San Antonio Spurs’ preseason opener against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, Wembanyama finished with nine points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. He did not miss a shot.
The Spurs didn’t need him to play big minutes, as it was preseason, and it was his first real game since blood clots ended his season in February.
On more than one occasion, Wembanyama received the ball at the top of the key, drew attention from the defense, and then dished the ball to either Julian Champagnie in the corner or Luke Kornet down low.
His ability to create for his teammates and anchor a defense drew comparisons to Draymond Green.
“He looked kind of like Draymond Green getting the ball at the center of the court, distributing it,” gushed Brian Windhorst on ESPN. âHe can do a lot of different things, and creating with the ball far from the hoop, is something that is on the list.”
While his scoring wasn’t on display against Guangzhou, he is a complete offensive player.
“I looked at it almost like a young Giannis last night, as far as him initiating the offense, bringing the ball up the court,” countered Bobby Marks
Wembanyama Shouldn’t Expect to Remain a Facilitator
While seven assists are eye-popping for a seven-foot-four center, he also racked up six turnovers. He does not have the handle of Kyrie Irving or the passing vision of Nikola Jokic, although he can be used as a hub when needed.
It can’t go without mentioning that the Spurs played without Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. All three players are real point guards and floor generals, and will be the engine of the offense when they return from their various ailments.
Of course, watching Wembanyama force the defense to collapse before kicking it out to a shooter is thrilling. However, the Spurs invested heavily in facilitators in recent months, so stunting Wembanyama’s paint presence by forcing him to run the offense is counterintuitive to their goals.
There doesn’t seem to be anything Wembanyama can’t do, but the Spurs will have to pick and choose what they will ask him to do.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Victor Wembanyama Compared to MVP and 8.7 PPG Scorer appeared first on Heavy Sports.